Studies show that of the new people you meet, one-third of them will notice the condition of your teeth before anything else. Thus, if you have stains or discoloration, you may feel insecure about smiling. Thankfully, there’s a remedy with teeth whitening, but your cosmetic dentist in Herndon says it could cause some teeth sensitivity. As you read on, you’ll learn why this happens to some people and effective ways to overcome it.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The stubborn stains that imbed in your enamel can’t be removed by simply brushing your teeth, but your dentist can address them using powerful bleaching agents that are able to penetrate the surface. A trained staff member will carefully apply the gel to your teeth, while protecting your soft tissues from being irritated from the powerful bleaches. In just one visit, you’ll see drastic changes in the appearance of their ivories.
Patients should be aware, though, that one of the possible side effects of teeth whitening is increased sensitivity.
Why are My Teeth Sensitive After Whitening?
The chemicals that work to lift deep stains from your teeth can also remove a small portion of your enamel, which can lead to some slight discomfort for some patients. Thankfully, this is usually only temporary. Here are some things you can do to help the situation:
- Use Sensitivity Toothpaste – This type of toothpaste will usually be formulated with ingredients like potassium nitrate that help to relieve pain. They will also contain less abrasives to prevent any further sensitivity.
- Chew Gum – When you chew gum, it aids in releasing enzymes in your saliva that help to coat your enamel and neutralize teeth sensitivity.
- Avoid Whitening Temporarily – One mistake that some people make is over-whitening. This usually applies to those who use over-the-counter methods who, in their quest to get better results, may attempt to whiten their teeth too frequently. Patients who use the professional at-home method should also be sure to only whiten their teeth as frequently as the trusted dentist recommends in the treatment protocol.
How to Maintain Your Results
Along with addressing sensitivity, you also want to ensure that your results will last as long as possible. Here are some simple and effective ways to do that:
- Practice Oral Hygiene – Brushing and flossing your teeth at least two times a day not only rids your mouth of harmful bacteria, it also helps to prevent staining and discoloration in the future.
- Limit Consumption of Certain Items – Another way to maintain the beautiful look of your teeth is to limit the consumption of foods and drinks that contain tannin, a naturally occurring staining agent found in tomatoes, wine, curry, tea, coffee and several other darker items.
- Visit Your Dentist – Finally, when you visit your dentist for cleanings and checkups, it’s also a great time to get a touch-up on your teeth whitening. Thus, you’ll leave the office with a clean and glimmering smile!
By using teeth whitening in Herndon, you have a way to make the type of impressions that you’d like on the people you encounter. To learn more about the process and to get on the road to smile perfection, reach out to your dentist today!
About the Author
A graduate of Boston University, where he earned his DMD degree, Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari (Dr. B) has been practicing dentistry for nearly two decades. Still, he remains just as passionate today as he was when he first started his practice. Dr. B. lifts stains off teeth and puts smiles on the faces of his patients at Premier Dental Care Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and can be reached for more information through his website.